2027 Photonics Technologies Undergraduate Intern
About The Position
The Aerospace Corporation’s Photonics Technology Department is seeking an undergraduate intern to work in radio frequency (RF) photonics, photonic integrated circuits, quantum photonics, and/or fabrication techniques. The department conducts photonics research and development to create new capabilities for space systems and help ensure systems reliably deliver mission success in the space environment. The intern will join an interdisciplinary team working on advanced photonic technologies, including quantum and microwave photonics, and will receive training and mentorship. This position is full-time and on-site at the company’s El Segundo, California facility. The internship requires a minimum of 10 weeks outside the university term, with the student returning to a full-time bachelor’s degree program afterward. Temporary housing assistance is not available.
Requirements
- Currently enrolled full-time in an accredited college or university program pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Applied Mathematics, Quantum Science, Optics, or a related discipline.
- Available to work full-time for at least 10 weeks outside the university term and able to return to a bachelor’s degree program full-time after the internship.
- Sophomore class standing completed by the internship start date.
- Minimum GPA of 3.0.
- Some knowledge of scientific programming, such as Python, MATLAB, Mathematica, or a similar analytical language.
- Some related coursework covering basic electrical engineering and physics principles.
- Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government-issued security clearance; U.S. citizenship is required to obtain a clearance.
- Strong written and oral communication skills.
- Ability to work well in a team environment.
- Organizational, time-management, and project-management skills.
- Flexibility and ability to adapt to changing organizational needs.
- Interpersonal skills to coordinate efforts and work with internal and external organizations.
- Transcripts.
Nice To Haves
- GPA of 3.5 or higher.
- Active security clearance.
- Coursework in advanced electrical engineering principles and/or physics, such as RF communications, nanophotonics, photonic integrated circuits, nonlinear optics, or quantum-related subjects.
- Experience with specialty photonics simulation packages such as Lumerical, HFSS, or Comsol.
- Experience performing independent research and/or development projects.
- Ability to incorporate Claude Code into daily workflow.
Responsibilities
- Participate with an interdisciplinary team in ongoing laboratory and theoretical research focused on advanced photonic technologies such as quantum and microwave photonics.
- Apply standard and novel techniques and procedures to scientific, engineering, and computational tasks related to quantum technologies and RF photonics, including laboratory device characterization and system simulations.
- Develop novel techniques for analyzing advanced photonic systems.
- Present results to management and colleagues.
- Interact with and learn from senior staff.
- Perform other duties and activities as assigned or as needs change.
Benefits
- Comprehensive health care and wellness plans.
- Paid holidays, sick time, and vacation.
- Standard and alternate work schedules, including telework options.
- 401(k) plan with company-paid contributions of 8%, 10%, or 12% of eligible compensation based on years of service, plus matching contributions; employees are immediately eligible and vested upon hire.
- Flexible spending accounts.
- Variable pay program for exceptional contributions.
- Relocation assistance.
- Professional growth and development programs.
- Education assistance programs.
- Inclusive work environment built on teamwork, flexibility, and respect.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Intern
